Florida A&M University Online MSN Programs: Nurse Informatics, NP
Florida A&M University (FAMU) offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with three specializations: nursing informatics, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), and women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP). The program offers online courses with one campus residency and local practicums.
The NP specializations focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. FAMU offers small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and a focus on cultural sensitivity in working with diverse populations. The competencies for the MSN programs follow the nurse practitioner competencies of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
Nursing informatics students study information and computer science, advanced nursing research, nursing policy, and disease prevention skills. Outcomes are designed to promote improved patient care and outcomes, and improved nursing systems and processes. Graduates of the nursing informatics MSN are eligible to take the nursing informatics Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC) exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The AGPCNP competencies are modeled after the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). AGPCNPs serve adolescents through geriatrics and work with healthcare teams to ensure cohesive patient-centered care. Work may occur in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, primary care clinics, and home health care. Graduates of the MSN-AGPCNP program are eligible to take the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner exam through the ANCC or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Program (AANPCP).
WHNPs serve women across the lifespan with female-related conditions and life phases. Students learn to focus on the social, cultural, and relational environments of women, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, and access to quality healthcare. Graduates of the MSN-WHNP program are eligible to take the WHNP-BC certification exam through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Florida A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online MSN programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Note: Florida A&M University is authorized to teach in all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states. Applicants outside of Florida should check with their state Board of Nursing to know their state’s practicum requirements and verify their state status with the NLC.
At this time, the following states are not NLC states, are pending NLC legislation, are awaiting implementation, or are partially implemented. Some states may be NLC states but are restricted for FAMU. These are Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Washington DC. Interested nurses from these states should check back frequently to learn the updated NLC status of these states.
What to Expect from the Florida A&M University Online MSN Programs – Nursing Informatics, NP
Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor of science in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. No previous work experience is required, although applicants must have an unencumbered RN license in Florida or state of residence. The GRE is not required. Application materials include official transcripts.
Study Plan: The nursing informatics specialization can be completed in four to six semesters, while the WHNP and AGPCNP specializations take five to eight semesters. Both part-time and full-time plans are available. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Students receive one-on-one attention from faculty for added support throughout the program.
MSN – Nursing Informatics Curriculum: The online nursing informatics MSN program comprises 36 credits plus a 180-hour practicum. Courses include theory application and advanced role development in nursing; the role of the APN in health promotion and disease prevention; research methods and evidence-based practice; health policy and nursing; informatics in nursing and healthcare; database design, development, and application; system design, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance; data science and data analytics I; health budgeting and financial management; nursing informatics project and change management; and nursing informatics capstone practicum.
MSN AGPCNP and WHNP Curriculum: The online AGPCNP and WHNP MSN specializations comprise 42 credits plus 675 clinical hours. Core courses include theory application and advanced role development in nursing; advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; research methods and evidence-based practice; health policy and nursing; advanced health assessment theory; advanced health assessment practicum; and role of the APN in health promotion/ disease prevention.
Other courses the two specializations have in common are clinical management of older adults; primary care for adults across the lifespan I and practicum; special issues across the adult lifespan; and APRN synthesis seminar. AGPNCP students also take primary care for adults across the lifespan II and practicum. WHNP students also take advanced women’s health theory and practicum.
Online Experience: FAMU delivers asynchronous online courses through Blackboard. Students should have an up-to-date computer, webcam, and the following software: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Respondus for online testing, Exam Soft Exemplify for student assessments, the nursing simulation program Shadow Health, and EHR GO (for electronic health records and learning).
Students and faculty interact through discussion posts, video conferencing, and email correspondence. Faculty keep online office hours for student help. Courses may include simulations, case studies, recorded lectures, readings, assignments, and exams. Online MSN students can access student services, including transfer credit evaluations, academic coaching, technical support, career services, career expo opportunities, and a job and internship board.
On-Site Requirements: MSN students come to the Tallahassee, FL campus for one residency during the program. AGPCNP and WHNP students complete a 90-hour lab experience and objective clinical skills intensive during the campus visit. Nursing informatics students complete a 45-hour lab experience and clinical skills intensive during this time. All other coursework is online, and practicums are completed locally.
Paying for the Florida A&M University Online MSN Programs: Nurse Informatics, AGPCNP, WHNP
Florida A&M University online MSN program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Interested nurses should contact the FAMU School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.
Graduate MSN students may be eligible for federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. Other funding sources may come from employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition discounts, private loans, and outside scholarships and grants. Students should contact the Florida A&M University Financial Aid Office for more information.
Florida A&M University MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in five to eight semesters. |
| 100% Online? | No - One on-campus lab and clinical skills intensive is required |
| Program Accreditation | ACEN |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No work experience required; RN license required |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $732.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $30,744.00 |
Florida A&M University MSN - Nursing Informatics
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in four to six semesters. |
| 100% Online? | No - One on-campus lab and clinical skills intensive is required |
| Program Accreditation | ACEN |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No work experience required; RN license required |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $732.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $26,352.00 |
Florida A&M University MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 42 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in five to eight semesters. |
| 100% Online? | No - One on-campus lab and clinical skills intensive is required |
| Program Accreditation | ACEN |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GMAT/GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No work experience required; RN license required |
| Credit Hours | 42 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $732.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $30,744.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
